Said good-bye to my Kole Tang tonight

backej1 · #1 09/25/2007, 10:23 PM

I had him for almost 12 years - longer than both of my children.

He moved with me to 3 different houses and never had any issues.

I can't believe how sad I am.

Just wondering, how long do Kole Tangs live in captivity?

Bebo77 · #2 09/25/2007, 10:27 PM

wow 12 years... i had no idea a "fish" could live that long...

sherm71tank · #3 09/25/2007, 10:32 PM

Of no consolation maybe but I just picked a baby Kole for my 90 BB. It will be the only tang in it.

backej1 · #4 09/25/2007, 10:35 PM

He's was a great fish - good personality (kind of like a dog). You would put your finger on the glass and he would follow it everywhere.

sherm71tank - I must say, he kept my 210 gallon tank clean. Enjoy your little guy.

sherm71tank · #5 09/25/2007, 10:41 PM

Well, we are trying to pick out a name for him. . . .

backej1 · #6 09/25/2007, 10:51 PM

I wish I would have had a name to share - the kids called him the "brown guy" and that's been his name for over 10 years.

petoonia · #7 09/25/2007, 11:17 PM

Thats sad to hear!! It sounds like your kole tang had a nice long life!!! I have one in my tank, and he has a great personality. We call him tangy (I know not very original).

michika · #8 09/25/2007, 11:52 PM

Awe that is sad, yet endearing at the same time. I can only hope to have my fish for just as long. I'm sorry your kole is gone.

jasert39 · #9 09/26/2007, 07:07 AM

wow 12 years that amazing, you must be an amazing hobbiest to keep a fish/tanks, etc. healthy for that amount of time.

RBCJay · #10 09/26/2007, 11:42 AM

I agree with jasert39 keeping him for that amount of time is a testament to your skills. There are so many things that can go wrong in a captive system. I can understand your sadness at loosing an old friend- I'm always bothered when I loose a fish. Sorry that he is gone, but pat yourself on the back for giving him a good life.
Jay

zuzecawi · #11 09/26/2007, 12:50 PM

All the times I heard somebody say "Yeah, the ____ died last night, it was only a fish" just came to mind.

I think the biggest testimonial to your much needed participation in this "hobby" is the fact that you feel so strongly the loss of a family friend, who may have indeed been "just a fish" but who'd been such a part of your life. That, is very, very wonderful. It's no wonder, with such an attitude, that you've had such good luck with keeping your critters going for so long in a closed system. Luck is, after all, what we make of it.

Kudos to you. If only more people had the same respect for life.

RBCJay · #12 09/26/2007, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by zuzecawi
All the times I heard somebody say "Yeah, the ____ died last night, it was only a fish" just came to mind.

I think the biggest testimonial to your much needed participation in this "hobby" is the fact that you feel so strongly the loss of a family friend, who may have indeed been "just a fish" but who'd been such a part of your life. That, is very, very wonderful. It's no wonder, with such an attitude, that you've had such good luck with keeping your critters going for so long in a closed system. Luck is, after all, what we make of it.

Kudos to you. If only more people had the same respect for life.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

That is a GREAT post. My sentiments exactly.
Jay

black_majik · #13 09/26/2007, 05:22 PM

In the wild they have been known the hit 15 years so that being said I am VERY impressed with how long the tang was with you. I do not know if this would be an akward question for you but will you be getting another Kole Tang ?

yoboyjdizz · #14 09/26/2007, 07:45 PM

Sorry for your loss. 12 years is really really good so don't get down on yourself if was probably just that time. Like others im pleased to see hobbiest that actually care. Any pictures?

ACBlinky · #15 09/26/2007, 08:59 PM

I'm so sorry for your loss. Many people don't seem to understand just how much of a pet a fish can become. My dog is 12, and when he goes I'll be absolutely heartbroken. I've lost fish that were only in my care for six months and cried - it's easy to become attached to them. We tend to them daily, talk to them (well, I do), worry about them when we're not there; they're pets just like any other. You gave 'the brown guy' a nice long life, and obviously cared for him very much. It will probably take some time, but hopefully you'll be able to remember him without feeling sad fairly soon. Meanwhile, my heart goes out to you, sorry you lost him

eddtango · #16 09/26/2007, 10:18 PM

Sorry to hear about your Kole Tang.

backej1 · #17 09/26/2007, 10:37 PM

You guys are really great. It's was so nice to come home from work (and the kids swimming class) and read everything everybody said. Thank you very much.

I went to work and told a couple of people, and received the "it was just a fish" comment/look. It's amazing how many people don't understand that fish can be just like a dog - they greet you at the tank, eat out of your hand, let you "pet" them, etc.

Last night when I listed this post, I never thought anyone would respond. All the thoughts and nice comments were unbelievable. I feel better and happy there are others that understand my loss.

black_majik - I'm definitely thinking about getting another one. Not right now, but alittle later.

BucNtears · #18 09/27/2007, 12:00 PM

I can't believe how sad I am.

I understand your situation completely..
Its hard to replace an old friend

Capt_Cully · #19 09/27/2007, 12:11 PM

Sucks. I lost mine after a year. I still haven't replaced it. He wasn't much to look at, but for some reason he was one of me and my wife's favorites.

Sorry for your loss.

darkcirca · #20 09/27/2007, 04:42 PM

I have to say, when my yellow tang died I was sad. I only had him for about 6 months and he just died randomly one day, but he would always follow you around the tank, and watch you from the corner while you laid on the bed watching tv. It's sad not seeing him, and since have replaced with a Tomini Tang, which just hasn't started doing any of these things. Sorry for your loss. Hopefully you can find a great replacement and it will have a great personality as well.